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Inspired Climbers Tackle Oakbrook Terrace Tower

(February 10, 2013)—

Maria Rehberger and her brother, Sal, climb for their mother.

On Sunday, February 10, 2013, the rain and cold couldn’t stop the enthusiasm and energy of nearly 800 participants in the American Lung Association’s annual Fight for Air Climb. Climbing Oakbrook Terrace Tower one or multiple times, climbers of all abilities and ages climbed and raised $165,000 for the mission of American Lung Association in Greater Chicago.

“Many people were climbing in honor or in memory of a loved one with lung disease,” said Meghan Miller, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago. “The dollars they raised for the climb will go to research, education and services in the fight against lung cancer, asthma, COPD and other lung disease, helping people right here in the Chicago area.”

One of the more amazing climbers is Dan Dolan-Laughlin, who climbed Oakbrook Terrace Tower’s 31 stories and 680 steps twice. Dolan-Laughlin is the recipient of a double lung transplant in 2012, when end-stage COPD had left him unable to function without round-the-clock therapy. “I’m not just fighting for air for myself, but for everyone with lung disease,” explains Dolan-Laughlin. “Everyone deserves the right to breathe clean air.”

Participants and funds raised exceeded last year’s event, with the following award-winning performances:

Top Fundraisers Individual

John McClement (Stickney Fire) - $3,973

Richard Gray, Jr (North Riverside Fire) - $3,736

Marypat Parks (Stand with Dan Fight for Air) - $2,330

Jack Parks (Stand with Dan Fight for Air) - $2,280

Cassandra Locke (individual) - $2,112

Top Fundraising Teams

Stand with Dan Fight for Air – $7,390

Stickney Fire Department – $6,876

NRFD Local 2714 (North Riverside Fire) – 4,756

Team 53 – $4,390

Addison Police Department – $3,150

Power Hour Winners

11 Climbs in one hour (F) – Kristin Frey – 50:14

11 Climbs in one hour (M) – John Osborn – 50:26

Fire Teams (11 teams total)

Elmhurst Fire Department – 6:17

Buffalo Grove Fire – 6:32

Glen Ellyn Fire – 6:49

Police Teams (8 teams total)

Elmhurst Police – 4:34

Wheeling Police – 4:52

Addison Police – 4:58

General Climb Winners (Male)

Jesse Berg – 2:43

John Osborn – 3:18

Michael Palac – 3:36

General Climb Winners (Female)

Kristin Frey – 4:10

Jillian Jackson-Hambli – 4:21

Karen Geninatti – 4:27

Corporate Team Winners

Ferrara Candy – 5:16

Esser Hayes – 5:29

Resis-Stairs (GE) – 5:51

Family/Friend Team Winners

Philmont 2013 – 4:58

Andrews – 5:07

Gol Dang Amazing – 5:31

Health Club Challenge Winners

The Ascenders – 4:27

Team 53 – 4:32

“This was a great day,” said Erin Petschow, Special Events Manager for the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago. “We are grateful to the wonderful staff at Oakbrook Terrace Tower and Arden Realty, who helped us provide a fun and inspirational event for our climbers!”